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  There he was, laying in his pregnant mother’s lap beside his friend Elira. As his father was running across the ship giving orders to the crew. Everyone had to evacuate, after Molraeth exploded.

  This tale begins on the remote island of Syntar, in the Pacific. Rather than praying to unseen gods, the inhabitants of this island studied the world through observations and discoveries. The knowledge they attained due to their way of life, would have been considered forbidden by the rest of the world.

  On this very island, lived a thirteen-year-old boy named Kaelith Tharyn. It was the afternoon on a Saturday. Kaelith was sitting at Thaldrine station waiting. He was looking at his pocket watch and when the clock struck one ‘o clock, he said to himself, “it should be arriving soon.” A loud honk filled the station, the ‘Thar Express’ had arrived. He got on the train and sat in an empty seat.

  Half an hour later the train stopped at Caelmorine station. Kaelith got off and walked to school. Kaelith walked into class and sat in an empty seat at the back, beside his friend Elira; who was asleep. Mr. Ahnuun walked in, and everyone went silent. He put his bag on the desk and said “Well kids, today we have a guest. Please welcome Mr. Valspyre.” Mr. Valspyre walked in the classroom. He said hello and stood beside Mr. Ahnuun. “In today’s class, Mr. Valspyre is going to explain how Voltherium engines work. Go on Drennik.” “Thank you for having me Velthar.”

  Mr. Valspyre said looking at the kids said “Good afternoon kids! Today I am here to tell you a little a about Voltherium engines; and a little about our new project at Voltraxis; the new model, the 'v-7 engine.' ”

  As class was going on, Kaelith was listening and taking notes as his friend, Elira woke up and yawned. Kaelith looked at her. Her eyes were red, dark circles as dark as the void, and skin as pale as the moon. She asked Kaelith “What time is it?” “forty-five minutes past one.” “Oh, in that case we have a while.” And went to sleep. “What happened to you? Once the top of this class attending every class including this useless class every Saturday where Mr. Ahnuun brings in random people. Now gets zeroes, doesn’t care and just sleeps all day.” “Yeah, yeah whatever. That’s the past.” “Seriously I want to ask you. How do you sleep so calmly after that? Like…” “Mr. Tharyn! Is there a problem? Am I not engaging enough?” “No sir. Please go on.” “And miss, you are?” “Elira Vaelwyne.” “Why were you asleep? Am I boring you?” “Its fine Drennik, she has special permission.” “For what?” “For sleeping like that in class, she is suffering from PTSD.” “Oh…what caused it?” “Her father told us that her mother had passed away.” “Oh…that’s a heavy burden to bare at an age when you’re just beginning to discover yourself…” “Go on Drennik. It’s fine.” “If you say so Velthar.” Elira was asleep throughout their conversation because she couldn’t care less.

  The hands of the clock turned faster than usual and class was done. Kaelith walked out of the exit, to see Elira there on a bench she just glanced at her and walked off. Elira yelled, “Kaelith!” Kaelith turned around and walked up to her. She asked him to sit down and he did. She said “Would you like to come over?” “No, I have places to be.” “Did you just say no to me?” “Yes. And you know well that I don’t care about your position and bow my head down to you like the rest.” “Yeah, yeah I have known you long enough to understand that.” “Right. Can I now go?” “No, and seriously come, father is off and I am scared that they will come back.” “Your dad is gone three out of four times. What changed now? Also, who are ‘they’? And you have the strongest security in Sha’vel.” She began to sweat as, she said “They will do that to me.” “For god’s sake. Who are they?” “ ‘They’ are a gang of rogue Syntarian soldiers…” She took a pause and tears rolled down her face she yelled, “they will do that to me next!” He saw her hyperventilating, and he softly wiped her tears, and said “Stop. Whatever this is, it doesn’t seem like something to be taken lightly.” She looked up at him and said, “So you are agreeing to come?” “Yeah…I care about you as my friend, and I wish you all the best. But no, I can’t come.” She was in tears and was about to cry. But she wiped her face and as he walked off into the distance, she yelled, “Fuck you!” To which he yelled back “Whatever. Bye.”

  A water tanker was going on the road Kaelith held it and it drove off. Kaelith got off at ‘The Caelmorine Bakery’. From the outside, the shop smelt as though it was wearing perfume. The sweet intoxicating smell of sugar and fresh fruits.

  Kaelith walked in and at the reception was no one. Kaelith approached the counter and then looked down to see an old man, with notebooks writing something. Kaelith whispered “Grandpa?” The old man looked up and said “Oh. Good afternoon son…” Just as he was about to say something a loud ringing noise interrupted them, the old man stood up and said “Time to take out the loaves from the oven.” The old man turned off the alarm clock and went through the door that had an ‘Authorized personnel only’ sign.

  Kaelith followed him inside and the old man said looking at him, said “Wear the apron you punk!” To which Kaelith replied, “R-Right.” He walked out the door, wore an apron and walked back in.

  He went near the oven and wore his mitten, opened the oven and pulled out two trays of bread. He wore his glasses and began inspecting them. When Kaelith walked back in, the old man said, “The flour is there, and the mixing bowl is there, go make the dough. Let’s see how much you have learnt.” Just as Kaelith was about to walk to the tub of flour, his grandpa yelled “Who is going to wash their hands, punk?” Kaelith washed his hands and scooped the flour from the tub and dumped it in the mixing bowl, he next went to a shelf and pulled out the jar of starter that his grandpa had been growing for thirty years; and dumped a little in it. Next, he poured in two pitchers of water and mixed it with his bare hands. His grandpa noticed him sweating and warned him “Even if a drop of sweat falls in there, consider it your end, boy.” To which he replied wiping his sweat with his sleeves, “Yes grandpa.” His grandpa looked at him struggling and said “You still can’t mix that much of flour, punk. Now go, you have done enough. Here is a little money to go home. The Thar express gets expensive during these hours because most students and workers go home and the train gets packed. With the money you have and this extra cash; you should be able to buy a train ticket.” Kaelith washed his hands, wore his bag and walked out sad. He walked back to Caelmorine station; got on the Express and went back to Thaldrine.

  He arrived in the evening; Just a few hours before dinner time. He walked inside; and his mother came out of the kitchen, put her hands on her hips and said “Where have you been all day? I strictly told you to be back at thirty minutes past three. Now it is almost fifteen minutes past five. You are nearly two hours late?” To which Kaelith said “I am sorry.” “Sorry isn’t what I asked, I asked where the hell was your ass all this time! And I know for a fact that school finished at forty-five minutes past five!” “I was with grandpa…at the bakery.” She sighed and said, “at least tell me where you plan to go before going!” “Fine I will.” “Go wash up; and complete whatever homework your teacher gave you. Dinner will be ready at seven.” “Mr. Ahnuun, didn’t give homework.” “Well in that case, go clean that hellhole you call your room” “Fine I will.” And his mother walked back into the kitchen. Kaelith followed her to the kitchen and yelled, “it is not a hellhole.” As she was cutting meat. His mother pointed at him with her cleaver and said, “Don’t you ever dare raise your voice against me, boy.” Kaelith lost for words walked upstairs, and took a shower.”

  As he was taking a shower he thought about his mother pointing her cleaver at him, and realized where he gets it from.

  He came downstairs at seven and saw the table with steak and mashed potatoes. Looking at it he chuckled a little and asked his mother, “What is the occasion?” “Nothing, was in a good mood.” “What caused your good mood.” “I am just proud that my son finally became a good boy by attending school even on weekends.” “Wait what? I am doing that every Saturday now?” “Yes. Is there a problem.” “Well, yes. I want to go to the bakery and work with grandpa.” “Yeah, you can do that too and this as well. Anyway, both are in Caelmorine.” “But…” “No buts. You do nothing useful on weekends anyway so this endeavor is not stopping you from doing anything else. Because you have nothing else to do.” Kaelith now was in a bad mood but he still ate. Throughout Kaelith didn’t speak a singled word. As he was eating he thought to himself, “Well, that’s just great.”

  After eating he went upstairs to his desk and opened the drawer. He pulled out his journal and began writing:

  9 at night on the Herman clock.........................................................................................................................................................12th Umbrilis on the Syntarian calendar

  Dear diary,

  Today was a good day. Elira looked so beautiful in the extra class today. There is something about her though. The funeral isn’t what is bothering her, there is something more too it. She asked me to come to her house for safety even though she has tight security. I mean I am very strong but still, I am pretty sure I would be of no help if ‘they’ can break the tightest security in Sha’vel. Whatever it is, it is what caused her PTSD. I still am astonished how she is still funny and sarcastic even though she has to bare such a heavy burden of losing her mother. She also said that ‘they’ were a gang of rogue Syntarian soldiers. I really love Elira.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  That’s it! Good night!

  Kaelith Tharyn.

  Next morning was a Sunday. Kaelith woke up, brushed his teeth with a branch and went downstairs. He came downstairs and said “Good morning” to his mother who was working in the kitchen. “You are up early. What changed?” she asked, “Nothing. My eyes just opened early I guess.” He wore his coat and said “I will go check the mail” and went outside. He came back in with three envelopes. He looked at them and froze at the third one. He yelled to his mother “Mother, two are yours and one is mine.” “Ok thank you. You can just leave mine on the table.” She instructed. Kaelith put his mother’s letters on the table and went upstairs. He took his letter opener which was laying on his desk and sliced his letter open and read it. it said:

  13th Umbrilis on The Syntarian Calendar

  Dear Kaelith,

  It is me, your father. By the time you get this letter, I might reach on the same day. I miss you and your mother. After this voyage I am taking a break for two years. I hope you both are in good health and you have been taking care of your mother. I will be their soon.

  Kal Tharyn,

  Your father.

  After reading the letter Kaelith yelled “Mother! Father is coming today!” To which she replied “What? Are you sure?” As she walked out of the kitchen. “Yes! This letter says so. Read it.” His mother read the letter. After reading it, her eyes lit up in joy and she hugged Kaelith. Kaelith ran upstairs and changed his clothes. He took his sailor’s telescope and ran to Elira’s house.

  He knocked on the door and a maid opened. He pushed her aside and walked in against the maid’s wishes. He ran upstairs into Elira’s room and woke her up by shaking her. She yelled “Don’t hurt me!” and Kaelith confused said “I won’t hurt you…It’s me Kaelith.” She opened her eyes catching her breath, “Oh its you. But wait, what the hell are you doing in my room? And who let you in!” “My father is coming back, let’s go to the lighthouse.” “Why do you want me to come? Why don’t you go call your buddy Dravich? And also, I won’t come; you didn’t listen to me yesterday so I won’t today.” “Because he is an idiot and doesn’t like waiting. Also, you and I both know that you like the noise of the ship honks.” “Still I will not come.” “Sorry! Does that change?” “Fine, give me a few hours.” “For what?” “To get ready.” “You’re going to the lighthouse to wait for a ship; not to a party.” “Still I need to dress up.” “Your going to cry and ruin your already quite pretty face.” Elira took a pause and asked Kaelith, “Did you just say you like me?” “No, it is something people say.” “Right.” “Stop it!” “Ok I will begin. If you go!” “Just change and come, like me who didn’t bathe and directly changed out of his night attire!” “I am not disgusting like you.” “Fine. But be quick!” Few hours later she walked out looking as though she was going to some royal ball. Perfect hair, clean red dress. With makeup.

  Kaelith now cross, said “We are going waiting for a ship.” To which she replied “Yes I am ready.” Lost for words he just said “Let’s go.”

  They walked to Sha’vel docks and met up with Thavron, the port and lighthouse keeper. Kaelith asked Thavron, “Thavron, can we use the lighthouse?” To which he replied, “Ok, but its not night yet so even if we turn it on it wouldn’t do anything.” “No, I just need some place high up so that I can see great distances.” “Oh, in that case, be my guest. Also, she is?” “Elira.” “Elira Vaelwyne?” “Yeah. Open up the lighthouse please.” “Right…This way.”

  Thavron opened up the lighthouse and both of them climbed up the light house. They stood there with the scope searching the seas. Hours passed no sight of ship. Elira now sitting on a bench in the light house said, “Maybe he miscalculated.” To which Kaelith replied determined “My father does not make miscalculations when at sea.” “He is only human. Humans make mistakes.” “Well my father does not!” Another few hours passed. There was no sight of a ship. Kaelith collapsed his scope and began walking to the ladder and said “Fine. You win.” During their descent, Elira wasn’t trying to jump out of happiness; because for the first time in a while she proved Kaelith wrong. Sadly, the fun did not last long. A long honk filled the docks. The honk was unique, it was instantly recognizable for those who have heard it before. And Kaelith and Elira, as well as the rest of the people at the port recognized the honk. In all the ships that Syntar had; only one ship had a honk that sounded like that. The Ashreign, Admiral Tharyn’s ship. Kaelith didn’t even need to check his spyglass, the honk was enough to confirm that it was him. The Ashreign and the treasurer’s fleet docked at Sha’vel docks, and from the Ashreign walked out, Admiral Tharyn.

  Kaelith came running and hugged his father. Hugging Kaelith his father said “Missed you too my son.” He went back and said “Now that your back, will you stay like you said.” “Of course, I told all the gents to take a break, its just you me and your mother. And also, I have a gift for you.” Kaelith’s eyes lit up and he asked what it was. His father took a box from his coat and opened it. He said “Behold, your first sailor’s compass.” Kaelith took his compass and hugged his father again. And asked him “Where to now Admiral?” “Set course to Caelmorine Bakery.” “Yes sir. You can come too Elira.” Elira replied, “No thank you, I am good.” “Son, who is this girl? And did she just come from a royal ball.” “No, she is the daughter of the town master.” “Of where?” “Of Sha’vel.” “Why is she hear then?” “Because I asked her too.” “She has tight security; how did you get in” “I don’t know there were no guards nearby.” “That is strange…But she can come too.” “Thank you, Admiral, for the invitation but I will head home don’t worry.” “No, I insist.” “With all due respect I decline your invitation.” “Well, if you say so.” Turning to Kaelith the Admiral said, “Well son, we have a destination to reach.” And both of them walked into the distance. Thavron said to Elira, “He is never like that on board. That boy is known for being absolutely ruthless; and yet he is so kind to people.”

  Kaelith and his father walked to 'The Caelmorine Bakery. As soon as they walked in, the old man saw them and said, “Your back eh, Kal?” “Yeah I am.” “How long are you staying this time?” “Two years.” “Sheesh. Well, go take a seat I will send in a waiter.” “They both ordered the Tharyn special (which wasn’t on the menu). Consisting of Vegetable cream served on white brown buttered sesame bread with extra spicy tomato soup. Their food arrived and they began eating. Kaelith’s father said, “Oh how much I missed this.” They both ate that sandwich in a blink of the eye. Then came the hot soup. “Ready son?” His father asked. “I have been ready since you went out to that voyage father.” After eating drinking the soup, his father yelled “Waiter!” The waiter came running and ask, “Yes sir, what can I get for you?” “Two shots of vinegar.” “I am sorry what?” The waiter asked in a confused tone. “Yes, we both would like two shots of vinegar.” “Right away sir.” The waiter went upstairs to the bar and asked them for two shot glasses. The bartender gave it to him under the condition that he will bring it back.” The waiter poured in the vinegar in the shot glasses and both father and son, drank it and sighed in relief. “May I ask why you ordered vinegar sir?” The waiter asked. “Well the spiciness of the soup goes away better with an acid rather than water or milk. The only drinkable acid that isn’t strong is vinegar. One shot and the spice goes away. Simple Chemistry.” They next walked to the Caelmorine station to go to Thaldrine.

  On the walk to the station, Kaelith’s father asked, “Son?” “Yes father?” “Do you have anything going on with that girl?” “Who Elira?” He chucked and said “No I don’t have anything.” “I know your in the age where you begin…discovering yourself. But you shouldn’t give in yet. There is still a little time.” “Um…Don’t be disgusting. And I don’t want to talk to you about that.” “Ok but I am just saying that you can talk to me if you need to.” “Ok father I will.” They reached the train station, and the Express arrived not long after.

  They got on the train and sat in the seat. During the train ride, Kaelith’s father pulled out a box that said ‘Magic and War’ on it. “Want to play, son?” His father asked. “Oh, you got the traveler’s set. Perfect. Let’s play; I miss playing with you let’s begin.”

  The game was intense, and lastly, Kaelith captured his father’s monarch. Just as he thought that he won, his father played the ‘Jester’s Benediction’, and captured Kaelith’s knight. But in the end Kaelith won by reviving his knight card. Once Kaelith won he said, “Your skills have been getting rough father.” “I haven’t played this game in a while.” “Yeah, and also where did you get this set?” “remember you told me that you had to use the bathroom?” “Yes…?” “I saw a shop selling it so I bought it.” “You bought the old edition.” “What? Is that a bad thing?” “No, its actually good thing because they don’t sell the old edition anymore.” “Oh. So, I bought a collector’s item then?” “Yes.” And he chuckled.

  Not long after their game was done, the Express stopped at Thaldrine station and they both got off and walked home.

  They walked in and his father yelled, “Mari?n” Kaelith’s mother came running from the basement and hugged him. Kaelith left them alone and went upstairs to his room. After hugging, “I will continue my work in the basement call me if you need anything.” His mother said to her husband.

  Not soon did they come back, it was dinner time. And for dinner was just bread and some tomato gravy to dip it into. All ate and Kaelith went upstairs and began journaling. He wrote:

  9 at night on the Herman clock.........................................................................................................................................................13th Umbrilis on the Syntarian calendar

  Dear diary,

  My father is back! We had the legendary Tharyn combination (that is not on the menu yet) while coming home. I feel great, and my father is going to stay home for two years! We also played a game of ‘Magic and War’ while coming home. And the edition we played was an old edition so now I own a collector’s item. And tomorrow me and him are going to tour the whole of Sha’vel!

  That’s it! Good night!

  He extinguished all the candles in his room. His parents who were awake, were eagerly waiting. His father said “Go check, I think he is asleep.” “Ok I will wait.” His mother checked and came back smiling that he was asleep. She said “Let’s begin. Shall we?” “Yes ma’am.”

  All that could be heard from that room was sheet rustling and the bed shaking.

  To be Continued...

  If you have read till here, Thank you.

  Beginning of Act 1 A seed.